Childminder in Lambeth

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY294640 Inspection date 16 May 2005 Inspector Mauvene Burke

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Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

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This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

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ABOUT THIS INSPECTION

The purpose of this inspection is to assure government, parents and the public of the quality of childcare and, if applicable, of nursery education. The inspection was carried out under Part XA Children Act 1989 as introduced by the Care Standards Act 2000 and, where nursery education is provided, under Schedule 26 of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998. This report details the main strengths and any areas for improvement identified during the inspection. The judgements included in the report are made in relation to the outcomes for children set out in the Children Act 2004; the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding; and, where nursery education is provided, the Curriculum guidance for the foundation stage. The report includes information on any complaints about the childcare provision which Ofsted has received since the last inspection or registration or 1 April 2004 whichever is the later.

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The key inspection judgements and what they mean

Outstanding: this aspect of the provision is of exceptionally high quality Good: this aspect of the provision is strong Satisfactory: this aspect of the provision is sound Inadequate: this aspect of the provision is not good enough For more information about early years inspections, please see the booklet Are you ready for your inspection? which is available from Ofsted's website: www.ofsted.gov.uk.

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

The quality and standards of the care are good. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder has been registered since 2004. She was previously registered for over ten years but gave up for a short period whilst building work was being carried out on her home.. She lives with her husband and their nine children aged from 23 years to 5 years old, of these, only one child is under eight years old. They live in a large detached extended house in the London Borough of Lambeth, close to local shops and schools. All of the ground floor is used for childminding. There is a large open-plan living, dining and kitchen and a separate lounge. A bedroom on the first floor can be used for sleeping. There is a garden available for outdoor play which may be used under the direct supervision of the childminder.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 There are no pets on the premises. The childminder has an NVQ Level 3 qualification in childcare, completed the Introduction to Childminding course and holds a valid first aid certificate. She is a on the committee of the Lambeth childminding Association. The childminder is registered to care for four children at any one time and is currently minding five children all whom attend on a part-time basis.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are beginning to learn about good hygiene practices through the childminder reminding them of the importance of washing and wiping their hands before meals and making a point of telling the children when she washes her hands for example after nappy changes. They are further protected from the spread of disease because as well as the good procedures the childminder has in place she explains how germs are spread for example, explaining to children why they should not eat food from of the floor and the fact that the home is very clean. Children enjoy the very good opportunities to engage in both outdoor and indoor activities which promotes their physical well-being. They have opportunities to get fresh air through regular outings such as to the parks and to One 0' Clock clubs. Children are becoming aware of their bodies and know when they need a drink or a rest. Drinks are easily accessible to the children. Children benefit from healthy meals

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Helping children to be healthy

which are nutritious such as a snack which consists of fresh fruit or raisins and milk. Meals comply with children's dietary needs as the childminder takes account of the wishes of parents.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a spacious home where risks have been identified and minimised. This means that children are able to move around safely, freely and independently. The fire blanket currently on these premises is old and therefore ineffective in the event of a fire. The children independently select their own resources from a wide range of good quality toys and books. These are appropriate for the ages and stages of their development and they are in good condition. The childminder has the required procedures and documents in place to ensure children's safety such as an emergency evacuation plan, consent forms for outings and a valid public liability insurance. She has an appropriate first aid certificate and has a secure understanding of child protection procedures in line with the local Area Child Protection Committee procedures.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and settled in this environment. They relate well to the childminder and to the childminder's family, this contributes to their sense of well-being. Children are becoming independent by selecting their own resources and by feeding themselves. Children listen to and respond well to nursery rhymes some of which introduces them to counting. They enjoy familiar stories and have the unique opportunity to see themselves in books which the childminder has made following trips they have been on for example, a farm, pictures of the minded children are included in these books. Children's individual needs are met well as the childminder uses observations of the children to plan activities, this ensures that the next stage of their development is met. Children are involved and interested in their play, the environment is stimulating and offers fresh challenges daily. Children have

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

opportunities to socialise with other children through regular attendance at children's groups.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder provides a meaningful range of activities and resources to promote a view of the wider world and increase children's awareness of diversity and their understanding of others. For example, the childminder uses books to introduce children to people with disabilities and is planning to make a book about each child i.e. countries where their families are from entitled "All About Me" as well as routine outings to farms and local parks. Children's individual needs are met well as the childminder adapts activities well to ensure all children can join in such as musical activities where the baby can join in as well as the two-year-old. Children are being taught to treat each other with respect and are learning to share. Good behaviour is encouraged and children behave well. Their self-esteem and confidence are being developed because the childminder praises and encourage them in their play.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Parents are kept informed about the progress their children are making through the childminder sharing information on a daily basis, sharing observations made of the children and displaying pictures and photographs children have been involved with.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are happy and settled in this home environment. They have access to a good range of resources and equipment. They are encouraged to make their own choices and because of the way the childminder has organised the environment, this is easily achievable. Children have a sense of belonging and feel part of the childminder's large family. Relationships between children and childminder are good.

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Organisation

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 The childminder has the information pack regarding the Birth to Three Matters framework. She is quite interested in using this framework and intends to look at training available in this area. The childminder has all necessary documents in place, these are kept securely to maintain confidentiality. Parents are kept well informed about the service and their child's activities and the good planning systems that are in place ensures children progress in all areas of their development. Overall the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

The quality and standards of the care are good. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

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The quality and standards of the care

To improve the quality and standards of care further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s): • provide a fire blanket, which conform to BS EN standards that is accessible in the kitchen

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The quality and standards of the care

procedures set out in the leaflet Building better childcare: Compliments and concerns about inspectors' judgements which is available from Ofsted's website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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The quality and standards of the care

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

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